Man convicted of murder in Upper Peninsula crash that killed woman

**Man Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in Fatal 2021 Michigan Crash**

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, MI — A man has been found guilty of second-degree murder more than four years after a fatal crash that claimed the life of a woman in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Tanner Dunbar Harrison was convicted on Friday, January 16, of one count of second-degree murder following a five-day jury trial, according to a joint press release from the Chippewa County prosecutor and sheriff’s offices.

Harrison was found guilty of driving recklessly and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed into the vehicle of Katie Robinson, killing her.

“We all wish this tragic event could have been avoided. Tanner Harrison made that impossible by his actions,” Sheriff Michael Bitnar said in a statement.

### The Incident

The fatal crash occurred on the evening of June 17, 2021. Police were dispatched to M-129 near Pickford after receiving multiple reports of a reckless driver operating a Ford F-350 pickup truck.

Reports indicated that the driver, later identified as Harrison, had been running cars off the road and even threw a tire iron at one of the vehicles, according to the news release.

Deputies located the suspect vehicle on M-129 near 8 Mile and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, Harrison fled from the police, continuing to drive recklessly. Deputies recorded him traveling at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour.

The pursuit ended when Harrison deliberately rear-ended Robinson’s vehicle. Robinson, who had just left work and was traveling northbound on Ashmun Street, was struck at approximately 88 miles per hour.

Tragically, Katie Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene.

### Community Response

Chippewa County officials extended their deepest condolences to Robinson’s family.

“Katie Robinson was a talented hockey player with the kindest soul, taken from this world far too soon because of Mr. Harrison’s actions,” the sheriff’s office said.

This conviction marks an important step toward justice for Robinson’s family and the community affected by this tragic event.
https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/01/man-convicted-of-murder-in-upper-peninsula-crash-that-killed-woman.html